During 25-26 March 2010, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand hosted the first Thailand —Vietnam Political Consultation Group (PCG) Meeting. The meeting is the result of the consultation between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Mr. Nguyen Tang Dung, Vietnamese Prime Minister, during the former’s official visit to the Republic Socialist of Vietnam last year, where both sides agreed to form the PCG as an important mechanism in strengthening a strategic partnership between the two countries.
During the Meeting, both sides exchanged views on following topics: 1) Bilateral cooperation: preparation for the second Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR) and raising the bilateral trade cooperation 2) Regional and international issues: the role of major powers in the region, promoting the cooperation in ASEAN framework, and dealing with the new security challenges 3) Sub-regional issues: management of the Mekong River, connectivity on both hardware and software issues, and amendment of the regulations on facilitating regional travel, trade, investment, and tourism.
The Meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, which reflected development of gradually closer bilateral relations between the two countries. Previously, General Le Hong Anh, Vietnamese Minister of Public Security, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, Deputy Prime Minister, during his official visit to Thailand during 1-4 March 2010.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th